The latest on California politics and government

December 16, 2010

Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger asked Attorney General Jerry Brown today to investigate allegations of threats and intimidation against a group of Compton parents who are trying to use a new state law to turn their troubled public school into a charter operation.

The case is controversial, with allegations of improprieties on both sides.

Schwarzenegger, siding with proponents who say they have secured the signatures of a majority of parents, said in a letter to Brown, "Instead of being supported in their effort to ensure that their children get the quality education that is a constitutional right, these parents have been subjected to threats and a misinformation campaign. These intimidation tactics are being used in an effort to persuade them to take back their signatures."

Brown has become busier since becoming governor-elect.

Nevertheless, Christine Gasparac, a spokeswoman, said in an e-mail that he is "concerned about these charges and will look into them."